Community Engagement Manager

Valley Beth Shalom Harold M. Schulweis Day School is a K-6 independent Jewish Day School located on the Valley Beth Shalom Synagogue campus in Encino, California. The school was founded in 1978 by nationally renowned Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis z"l, and established to provide both a stellar General Studies and Judaic studies curriculum. Rabbi Schulweis believed that school should be a place where students grapple with questions and issues cultivating their critical thinking and learning to take action to make the world a better place. He believed this should be done in an environment that fostered strong Jewish values and active involvement in Jewish experiences and community. 45+ years later, the school stands true to the original mission as a forward- thinking learning environment, linking traditional Jewish values and teaching to modern-day decision making and action, all within a vibrant and nurturing Jewish community.

POSITION OVERVIEW 

The Community Engagement Manager is responsible for strengthening relationships among current families, alumni, grandparents, and the broader VBSDS community through meaningful engagement opportunities, strategic community programming, and thoughtful stewardship of community experiences. This individual serves as the primary liaison to the Parent Organization and works closely with the Admissions, Development, and Communications teams to ensure that community-facing events and initiatives strengthen belonging, retention, and lifelong connection to VBSDS. The Community Engagement Manager is a key member of the school’s operations and advancement teams and reports to the Associate Head of School for Institutional Advancement. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on building relationships, creating joyful and mission-driven experiences, and helping families feel known, welcomed, and connected.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Community Engagement & Relationship Building

• Foster a warm, welcoming, and connected experience for current families, prospective families, alumni, grandparents, and community members.
• Build and maintain strong relationships across the VBSDS community to strengthen engagement, retention, and long-term connection.
• Partner with school leadership to design initiatives that deepen family participation and strengthen school culture.
• Strengthen the bridge between the Day School, Early Childhood Center, and VBS Synagogue to ensure continuity and connection throughout a family’s experience
• Work closely with the Admissions, Development, Communications, and Educational Leadership teams to ensure a cohesive and welcoming family experience.
• Partner with the Communications team to promote community engagement initiatives and highlight meaningful community stories.

Parent Organization Partnership

• Serve as the primary administrative liaison to the Parent Organization (PO).
• Support PO leadership in planning and executing programs, volunteer opportunities, and community-building initiatives.
• Develop systems and best practices that strengthen volunteer engagement and leadership development within the parent community, ensuring a strong and inclusive volunteer pipeline.
• Coordinate communication and collaboration between the PO and school administration.

Alumni & Grandparent Engagement

• Develop and implement a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy that fosters lifelong relationships with VBSDS graduates and alumni families.
• Create meaningful alumni touchpoints including reunions, networking opportunities, holiday outreach, milestone recognition, and special events.
• Source meaningful and timely information regarding alumni and ensure that the Communications team has this information for use in social media, newsletters, and other relevant publications
• Support the growth and expansion of the school’s L’Dor V’Dor alumni and grandparent engagement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate alumni and grandparent engagement records in partnership with the Advancement team.

Events & Community Programming

• Partner with the Admissions Office to support recruitment and retention events, including tours, open houses, parent coffees, and community outreach initiatives.
• Partner with the Development Office to support donor stewardship and fundraising events, including Generations Day, donor appreciation events, and community celebrations.
• Oversee the planning and execution of school-wide community events and experiences that reflect the mission and values of VBSDS.
• Coordinate volunteers, vendors, and event communications in partnership with relevant departments.
• Coordinate event logistics, including calendar management, room schedules and set-ups, parking, and security.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience planning and executing high-quality programs or events
• Strategic thinker with strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent organizational and project management skills
• Exceptional customer service skills with a strong commitment to professionalism and responsiveness
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain strict confidentiality
• Proactive, collaborative, and adaptable team player